Mary Lea Sumner

Mary Lea Sumner, 73, of Clear Lake, Texas, passed away February 19, 2017. She was born in Carlsbad, New Mexico on March 4, 1943 to Alexander and Ione McAllister. She was married to William C. “Bill” Sumner for 47 years. Mary Lea had a 42-year-long career in elementary education, in which time she worked for numerous school districts across the country, before eventually retiring from Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD in 2008. She was called a “master teacher” by many, and touched not only the lives of her students, but also those she worked with and mentored. She was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha at New Mexico State University, where she attended college. She had a passion for teaching, reading a good book, and cruising to tropical destinations with her beloved husband before his passing in 2014.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William C. Sumner; and her parents, Alexander and Ione McAllister.

She is survived by her two sons and daughters-in-law: William Kenneth and Cindy Sumner, and William Russell and Carrie Sumner; four grandchildren: K.C. Sumner, Austin and Addyson Sumner, and Calan Dodd; brother, Alex McAllister and his wife, Linda; sister-in-law, Joann Obst and her husband, Hank; two brothers-in-law: Robert Sumner and his wife, Kathy, and John Sumner and his wife, Maureen; nephew, Mike McAllister and his wife, Courtney; along with many other nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

The family will receive friends Thursday, February 23, 2017 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Forest Park East Funeral Home, 21620 Gulf Freeway, Webster, Texas 77598. A Graveside service will be held Friday, February 24, 2017 at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77038.